I mean seen here on earth, by His Disciples.
We now call the Event Jesus’ “Ascension.”
His miraculous rising up to Heaven, and into Heaven!
Here’s Luke’s telling of the Story: “And He (Jesus) led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” Luke 24:50-51
He was “blessing” them, a Greek verb sometimes used for the act of prayer!
Jesus was there fulfilling the role of the Jewish Great High Priest, who often lifted his hands … and prayed a blessing upon the people! We even know what they prayed! “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee. The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
These very words may have come from Jesus’ Lips as He rose into the sky, into Glory!
Jesus, at prayer, the last time He was seen by a group!
Then I thought this, asked this. “What is Jesus doing right now?” In Heaven? At His Father’s Right Hand?
And the answer again is … praying!
Jesus is praying today, tonight, as our great Intercessor in Heaven!
Hebrews 7 actually furnishes my “proof” text. There Jesus is described as our Great High Priest. Who is unchangeable! “Wherefore He (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing HE EVER LIVETH TO MAKE INTERCESSION for them.” Hebrews 7:25, where “making intercession” means “praying for someone,” you and me!
He’s praying even this very minute!
No wonder Psalm 109:4, in the Hebrew Text, says of Jesus (via the Bible miracle of prophecy) … “But I (am) prayer!”
He indeed is prayer!
He prayed leaving here.
He is still praying now.
Once more I declare … He IS prayer!
I know of no better way to conclude these Prayer Lessons than this last glance at our Lord, at Him Who indeed taught us to pray: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13
Yes, Amen.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell